What does subcision treat?

A clinician passes a small needle or blunt instrument beneath the skin to release fibrous strands that pull a scar or dimple inward. This approach is most suited to soft, indented scars with a tethered base, including some atrophic acne scars. It is less suited to raised scars, sharply narrow deep pits, or scars whose main issue is colour rather than indentation.

The release may improve the contour, but scar texture can involve several layers. A treatment plan may combine subcision with another procedure when the surface, pigment, or volume also needs attention.

Bring details about how the scar formed, previous procedures, medicines, bleeding tendencies, and any history of abnormal scarring. During assessment, the clinician may stretch or press the skin to see whether the depression lifts when the tether is released. Ask whether one area or several areas should be treated and what aftercare will involve.

Bruising, swelling, tenderness, and temporary unevenness can occur after the procedure. Follow instructions about cleansing, pressure, activity, and review appointments.

Contact the treating clinic for increasing redness, warmth, drainage, worsening pain, or swelling that does not settle as expected. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, trouble breathing, rapidly spreading swelling, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Ask whether your scar is tethered, what improvement is realistic for its shape, whether another treatment should be combined with subcision, and how many review visits may be needed.